Enuresis in pediatric patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): How to manage it?

Abstract

Child and adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be complicated by secondary enuresis. In fact, enuresis appears to be more common in these patients than in the general population. In this brief review, we explore various factors that may explain the intriguing link between OCD and enuresis. This review emphasizes the potential bidirectional link between OCD and enuresis, highlighting the possible role of various causes of enuresis within the specific context of OCD, such as pharmacological side effects or a potential autoimmune etiology. Based on these considerations, we propose an algorithm for managing enuresis in children and adolescents with OCD, developed through collaboration between pediatric urologists and child psychiatrists. The goal of this algorithm was to support clinicians in addressing this specific and often overlooked clinical situation.